Courtroom Changes Moods As Wedding Replaces Trials

June 22, 1985|by GAY ELWELL, The Morning Call

At trial time, Courtroom 3 on the second floor of the Northampton County Government Center is a solemn place, filled with court personnel, attentive jurors, somber attorneys and their apprehensive clients.

Yesterday, the venerable old courtroom was the scene of a happier occasion, as Judge Franklin Van Antwerpen came down from his usual place on the bench to officiate at a wedding.

Lynn Marie Brands, attended by a maid of honor and two bridesmaids, all decked in flowers, was given by her father in marriage to John Frederick Mueller, who was accompanied by his mother.

Dressed in a pastel flowered ensemble and carrying a bouquet of small white roses, the bride was classically radiant as she spoke her vows in a clear, firm voice that carried to the back of the room. And her groom gave her a firm kiss after the brief ceremonies concluded, to applause from an appreciative audience of lawyers, court personnel and reporters.

And Judge Van Antwerpen looked positively jovial as he told the Bath couple, "We're not allowed to take money anymore, but I always exact a small price" as he kissed the bride.